LifeFlight sounds alarm about laser strikes on helicopters

“The consequences of this reckless crime can range from disorientation and eye damage to far worse, especially if the laser is directed at an aircraft during the take-off or landing phase,” said LifeFlight head of flying operations Jeremy Ovens.

“There’s also the risk of crews losing control over the aircraft, which puts crews under unnecessary pressure especially when the airlift is a life-or-death situation.

“The laser can bounce around off other surfaces within the helicopter, getting into the crews’ eyes.”

In its guidance on laser emissions which may endanger the safety of aircraft, CASA has warned that lasers “can produce a beam of light of such intensity that permanent damage to human tissue, in particular the retina of the eye, can be caused instantaneously, even at distances of over 10 km”.

“At lower intensities, laser beams can seriously affect visual performance without causing physical damage to the eyes,” the advisory reads.

“Visual effects can range in severity from glare, such as oncoming headlights or inability to see outside the aircraft while illuminated, to temporary flash blindness. Temporary flash blindness can cause an afterimage that may persist from several seconds to several minutes.

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“Other effects of laser illumination can include loss of dark adaptation, disorientation, and eye pain. Additionally, exposure to strong laser light could result in eye injury.

“Lasers and high-intensity lights, like sky trackers, pose a serious risk to pilots that can result in difficulties flying and impaired vision. It takes only a fraction of a second to cause flashblindness or ocular damage, even if the aircraft is travelling quite quickly.”

According to LifeFlight, laser strikes can not only temporarily blind or disorient pilots, but can “delay emergency responses, interrupt police operations, disrupt search and rescue missions and impact critical services delivery to Queensland communities”.

“Queensland Police Service investigates laser strike incidents and those responsible may face serious penalties under aviation and weapons legislation.

“Anyone with a legitimate use for lasers must get the relevant approvals and they can never be pointed at aircraft.

“Anyone who witnesses a laser being directed at an aircraft is encouraged to report the incident to Queensland Police by calling Triple Zero immediately if it involves an aircraft or ongoing emergency.”